I've got no issue using brokers for the many services they provide that I cannot do better myself. There is a reason these folks are in business, the service has a value.

I'm a little wary of purchasing businesses that have such a poor history locally of turning around and getting sold back to the original owners. It makes me question the true profitability of these businesses and smells like a scam. I've been told that these owners are good trust worthy folks, so I hope it's just a case of bad coincidence.

Thanks everybody for the feedback!
-Jason